Happy #VolunteerAppreciationWeek to our incredible 450+ volunteers, who gave more than 30,000 hours of their time & expertise last year! From diving to specimen processing to engaging with guests, we couldn't do it without them. Learn more at bit.ly/2Nlkxvr

Happy #WorldPenguinDay ! We’d like to take a moment to celebrate every wiggly little waddle of our African penguin residents, and penguins all over the world. PS: Our African penguins are a Species Survival Plan colony, and have hatched 10 chicks over the last 14 months!

It’s easy (& fun) to join the 2024 #CityNatureChallenge , which starts on April 26. If your city is one of the 700+ participating around the world, any observations you upload to iNaturalist will be automatically counted for your city. learn more: citynaturechallenge.org

This SF Climate Week, join us April 23 at Manny’s in the Mission for an evening all about keeping our cities green and vibrant and taking a stand against climate change right here in our own backyard. Get your tickets now: bit.ly/3QeWJwH

We’re thrilled to welcome our first-ever cohort of California Creators for Nature! Meet (left to right) Kaua Hermosura, Dezz McGill, Vishal Subramanyan, Chloé Stowell, & Kiana Kazemi: bit.ly/3JmKCtF

Today’s spotlight is on the perpetually chill grin of the mata mata. They do their best to look like decaying wood & leaves, but when prey get close they quickly open their wide mouths to create a nearly inescapable vacuum. Look for one next time you’re at the Steinhart Aquarium.

The saddest part of my job is seeing the ecosystem I love and live to protect dying in front of my eyes… The fourth global coral bleaching event has been confirmed. calacademy.org/press/releases…

The best party of the year, scientifically. Join us this Thurs for live music & a discussion on inspiring change with artists, activists, & more. Lucky for you, there’s still time to grab tix (which include locally sourced bites & craft cocktails): bit.ly/3vxk0Tv

HIRING ALERT: TWO Digital-Engagement Specialist roles now open! We're looking for strong writers & content-creators w/solid video-editing skills & a passion for science, nature, museums, environmental justice, & penguin bday parties. Learn more & apply at bit.ly/4aTnwGD

Examiner photographer Craig Lee captured today's partial solar eclipse over San Francisco, as well as some other sights from the California Academy of Sciences's watch party on the Living Roof.

Did you have your eyes to the sky today? 😎

Surprisingly aquatic, caiman lizards use their powerful jaws and rudder-like tail to hunt for snails, clams, and other freshwater shellfish — both in their native South American flooded forests and the Steinhart Aquarium.

The mesophotic dive team logged 7 deep dives over 100 m, with their deepest dive taking place at 152 m in Flora Reef! We collected, photographed, and accessioned many species, some potentially new to science, and some new for the Coral Sea.

April 4 is Academy Day, the day we were founded 171 years ago, and we’re having a birthday bash! Between pay-what-you-can pricing, exciting giveaways, & a science fair, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate. Learn more & get your tix (while they last): bit.ly/4cqyyF8!

Mirage was only in bloom for about 3 days last month, but the stench will be sealed in our memories forever. Corpse flower blooms happen once every few years, & we’re already looking forward to the next time we get to see (& smell) this rare event.